5 Camping Foods You Absolutely Need to Try
Camping and food go hand-in-hand.
While classic s'mores around the campfire are always a treat, there's a whole world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored.
Ditch the freeze-dried meals and elevate your camping culinary experience with these five must-try camping foods:
1. Campfire Nachos: A Crowd-Pleasing Fiesta
Forget soggy chips and lukewarm salsa. Campfire nachos are a customizable, crowd-pleasing delight that's surprisingly easy to make.
What you'll need: A large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, tortilla chips, your favorite nacho toppings (ground beef, chicken, beans, cheese, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole – the possibilities are endless!), and aluminum foil.
How to make it: Layer tortilla chips in the skillet, followed by your chosen toppings. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and place it over hot coals or embers. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before enjoying.
2. Foil Packet Meals: Easy Cleanup, Delicious Results
Foil packet meals are a camping game-changer. They're easy to prepare, require minimal cleanup, and can be customized to suit any taste.
What you'll need: Heavy-duty aluminum foil, your choice of protein (chicken, sausage, fish), vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions, peppers), seasonings, and a little bit of oil or butter.
How to make it: Place your protein and vegetables on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Add seasonings and a drizzle of oil or butter. Fold the foil packet tightly, sealing all the edges. Place the packet over hot coals or embers and cook until the protein is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. Campfire Pizza: A Slice of Heaven
Yes, you can make pizza while camping! It's surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying.
What you'll need: Pre-made pizza dough (or make your own!), pizza sauce, cheese, your favorite pizza toppings, and a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.
How to make it: Place the cast iron skillet over hot coals or embers to preheat. Stretch out the pizza dough and place it in the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the bottom is slightly crispy. Add pizza sauce, cheese, and your chosen toppings. Cover the skillet and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is cooked through.
4. One-Pot Pasta: Simple, Flavorful, and Minimal Cleanup
One-pot pasta dishes are perfect for camping because they require minimal ingredients, are easy to prepare, and result in only one pot to clean.
What you'll need: Pasta, your choice of vegetables (onions, garlic, tomatoes, spinach), protein (sausage, ground beef), broth or water, and seasonings.
How to make it: Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Campfire Breakfast Burritos: Fueling Your Adventures
Start your day off right with a hearty and delicious campfire breakfast burrito.
What you'll need: Tortillas, eggs, your choice of protein (bacon, sausage), cheese, potatoes, onions, peppers, and salsa.
How to make it: Cook your protein and vegetables over the campfire. Scramble the eggs. Warm the tortillas over the campfire. Assemble the burritos by layering the eggs, protein, vegetables, cheese, and salsa on the tortillas. Wrap them up and enjoy!
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity and planning, you can transform your camping meals from basic sustenance to gourmet experiences. So, ditch the instant noodles and embrace the delicious possibilities of campfire cooking! What are your favorite camping recipes? Share them in the comments below!
